VENTURA — The Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) of Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties are partnering with the California Building Trades Council to offer the region’s first construction pre-apprenticeship training program. The WDBs are encouraging those interested in a career in construction to apply to this free 12-week course.
During the 120 hours of Multi-Craft Core Curriculum pre-apprenticeship program, participants will receive a construction industry overview and take classes in blueprint reading, basic construction math, tools and materials, and construction health and safety. Students will learn about clean and green construction–considered an emerging in-demand skill. Instruction follows the training curriculum of North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU).
“Participants who complete the pre-apprenticeship program will be primed and ready to apply for well-paying apprenticeships within the construction industry,” says Joshua Medrano, Executive Secretary and Treasurer of Tri-Counties Building Trades & Construction Council,
Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura Counties. “The program is open to all. We especially encourage women, youth, veterans and those who have been involved with the justice system to sign up. In Ventura County, our goal is to successfully train 105 individuals.”
The program is funded by a $462,506 SB1 Program Awards grant through the California WDB. Called the “High Road Construction Careers,” the grant’s purpose is to advance careers in the building and construction trades for disadvantaged Californians.
No previous construction or mechanical experience is necessary. The first 12-week course begins June 1, and other sessions will be added. Meetings take place twice a week from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. via Zoom. Three half-day Saturday meetings will be held in-person at different union halls so participants can learn about various construction trades.
For more information and to apply, go to https://apprenticeship.tcbtcc-slo-sb-vta.org/apply.
About the Workforce Development Board — The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County administers federal funds to support America’s Job Center of California locations and other free job seeker, youth, and employer programs and services in Ventura County. The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County is a proud partner of America’s Job Center of California network. Equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. If you have limitations hearing or speaking, dial 711 to reach the California Relay Service (CRS). For more information, call 805-477-5306 or visit http://workforceventuracounty.org.